Manipur: CoTU blames government inaction for Leimakhong clashes, rejects UNC's demands

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, on Saturday, July 11 held the Manipur government responsible for the escalation of tensions at Leimakhong, alleging that the confrontation stemmed from the authorities' failure to address the prolonged blockade of essential supplies to Kuki-Zo inhabited areas. The committee also criticised the recent demands raised by the United Naga Council (UNC), describing them as an "ethnocentric" campaign directed against the Kukimcommunity.

In a statement, CoTU referred to the demands made by UNC leaders following their meeting with Chief Minister Y. Khemchand in Senapati on July 8. The council had reportedly sought the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, the removal of the Kuki Deputy Chief Minister, and the arrest of the Chief of Leilon Vaiphei as conditions for lifting the ongoing blockade.

According to CoTU, these demands were unrelated to securing justice for the six Naga persons who were killed recently and instead reflected an attempt to advance what it termed a communal political agenda targeting the Kuki-Zo community.

The committee further stated that the campaign surrounding the killing of the six Nagas should not overshadow the deaths of three Kuki Church pastors on May 13, 2026, asserting that justice must be pursued impartially for all victims of violence.

While appreciating the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Manipur Police for the arrests made on July 10 in connection with the killing of the six Nagas, CoTU urged the authorities to demonstrate the same urgency in investigating the killings of the three Kuki-Zo Church pastors and 14 Kuki-Zo civilians. The committee alleged that the victims were killed by cadres of the NSCN-IM and the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF).

Emphasising the need for equal treatment in the pursuit of justice, CoTU accused the authorities of maintaining an indifferent approach towards crimes committed against members of the Kuki-Zo community.

The committee also linked Saturday's developments at Leimakhong to the continuing blockade, alleging that prolonged official inaction compelled local residents to dismantle a blockade checkpoint at around 2.30 pm. It claimed that the attempt resulted in physical clashes with those supporting the blockade, leaving several people injured.

CoTU further alleged that during the confrontation between members of two tribal communities, a section of Kacha Naga individuals set fire to houses belonging to members of the Meitei community at Leimakhong in an attempt to provoke public sentiment against the Kuki-Zo community. The committee described the alleged act as an attempt to inflame communal tensions.

Demanding immediate intervention by the state government, CoTU called for the arrest of those allegedly operating the blockade checkpoint, accusing them of obstructing the restoration of essential supplies to affected areas.

The committee also urged the government to end what it described as a policy of appeasement towards a particular community and alleged that armed groups were continuing to operate with impunity. It warned that failure to address these concerns could further aggravate the prevailing situation in the state.